New Academic Degree Programs, Changes to Academic Degree Programs, and Additional SYS 102 Items

Original Issuance Date: June 3, 2020

Last Revision Date: April 27, 2022

1. Purpose of Procedures

The purpose of these procedures is to provide information on planning a new academic degree program; making changes to an existing academic degree program; and additional items covered by SYS 102.

2. Responsible UW System Officer

Associate Vice President of the Office of Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement

3. Definitions

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): The CIP provides a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completions activity. CIP was originally developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 1980.

Create a new School/College: A college or school means an academic unit below the university level but above the departmental level, including but not limited to a graduate school, law school, medical school, social work school, architecture school, business school and a public administration school.

Chapter 36.09(1)(gm) Wis. Stats. “The board shall not create, except as specifically authorized by the legislature in each instance, any new college, school or its functional equivalent if such college, school or functional equivalent has academic programs at the graduate or professional, post-baccalaureate level.”

Chapter 36.09(1)(gm)1. Wis. Stats. “For the purposes of this paragraph, college or school means an academic unit below the university level but above the departmental level, including but not limited to a graduate school, law school, medical school, social work school, architecture school, business school and a public administration school.”

Chapter 36.09(1)(gm)2. Wis. Stats. “For the purposes of this paragraph, a new college or school shall be deemed to have been created if an administrative position of dean or its functional equivalent is established and if a new instructional program, separate and distinct from the programs currently available at that university, is established.”

Chapter 36.09(1)(gm)3. Wis. Stats. “This paragraph does not apply to the redesignation or reorganization of existing colleges or schools if accomplished through the reclassification of existing positions or the restructuring of existing organizational entities.”

Elimination of a program: Eliminating an academic degree program removes it from the Central Data Request (CDR) database. Upon elimination, the university may not enroll new students.

Fast-track program: A fast-track for academic degree program development affords universities the flexibility and adaptability needed to react to changes in program direction, pedagogical advances, and industrial, business or community needs. The fast-track program approval procedures shorten the time from academic degree program proposal to implementation by allowing the Program Eligibility Proposal and Authorization proposals to be submitted simultaneously. The proposed academic degree programs still undergo the necessary review by the universities’ shared governance bodies as well as by UW System and the Board of Regents (BOR) following the current review and approval processes.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC): HLC is a regional accreditor that accredits colleges and universities in a 19-state region of the United States, including Wisconsin.

HLC Definition of Competency Based Program: Outcomes-based approach to earning a college degree or other credential. Competencies are statements of what students can do as a result of their learning at an university of higher education.

HLC Definition of Concentration: A program concentration (or specialization, track or emphasis) involves less than half of the total hours in the program of which it is a part, with the remaining hours taken in common by all students in the program.

HLC Definition of Consortial Arrangement: A consortial arrangement is a one wherein a significant portion of an academic program is provided by a consortium of university(s) accredited by an accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an university accrediting agency. Consortial arrangements are distinct from credit transfers or articulation agreements, which do not require prior HLC approval or notification.

HLC Definition of Direct Assessment: A subset of competency-based education, one that is not based on semesters (or academic terms) or credits. The direct assessment approach bases both the evaluation of student achievement and the award of a degree or credential solely on the demonstration of competencies.

HLC Definition of Distance Delivery: Certificate or degree programs in which 50 percent or more of the required courses may be taken as distance-delivered courses.

HLC Definition of Mission: See Higher Learning Commission (HLC) CRRT.B.10.010: Criteria for Accreditation Criterion 1.

Professional doctorate: A professional doctorate represents a mastery of the subject matter and techniques of a professional field.

Program monitoring: Program monitoring consists of system and university level processes to examine academic degree programs guided by a set of criteria determined by the universities related to theirs and UW System policy. Criteria may include enrollment, student credit hours, time to degree, completion.

Publishing: Publishing an academic degree program adds it to electronic publications.

Redirect: A redirect is an academic degree program change of curricular components not to exceed a total of 50% of the curriculum being changed.

Reinstatement: Reinstating admissions returns an academic degree program to the systemwide academic degree program array. The program is re-published in electronic publications.

Suspension: Suspending admissions allows an university to temporarily remove an academic degree program from the systemwide academic degree program array and, if appropriate at a later date, reinstate the program when demand and resources justify the continued operation of the program without BOR approval. The program is unpublished in electronic publications.

Unpublishing: Unpublishing an academic degree program removes it from electronic publications.

UW System Academic Majors dashboard: This dashboard is developed for the purposes of academic degree program planning at the University of Wisconsin System. It provides information of academic majors offered at the UW universities and their mode of delivery, suspension status, and changes over time.

UW System Board of Regents Policy on Select Mission Statements:
Section 36.09 (1)(b), Wis. Stats., requires the UW System Board of Regents to establish a mission statement for each UW System university. Section 36.09(1)(d), Wis. Stats., requires the Board to establish policies to guide program activities to ensure that they will be compatible with the missions of the universities of the UW System. Consistent with these requirements, at a minimum, each select mission statement shall:

Uphold the principles of the UW System mission statement.
Uphold the principles of the UW System core mission statement for either the doctoral or comprehensive university cluster, whichever is appropriate for the university.
Describe specific program responsibilities and types of degrees offered by the university.
Meet any applicable accreditation requirements related to select mission statements.

Any changes to a select mission statement must be approved by the Board of Regents, following a public hearing at the university.

UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) program: a UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) program is one that is authorized by the BOR to be jointly offered by more than one UW university. Each degree-granting university involved in the collaboration has the authority to grant the degree. The UW universities establish a consortial agreement to administer the degrees and provide a proportion of the educational program.

4. Procedures

A. Approval to Plan

I. Notice of Intent

1. The Notice of Intent should be up to three pages in length and include the following information:
  1. The name of the lead university, if a UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) program.
  2. The name of the proposed academic degree program (program), the university setting, the mode of delivery (face-to-face delivery, 50% or more distance delivery, or both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery), and university contact information.
  3. The suggested Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
  4. A description of the new program that includes anticipated program and learning outcomes.
  5. Sufficient information about content and program level so that reviewers can understand how the program may relate to other offerings.
  6. Existing or anticipated resources required to deliver the program.
  7. Information on other required approvals to offer the program beyond the Board of Regents (BOR) (such as accreditation bodies, including the Higher Learning Commission [HLC]) should be included.
  8. Evidence of how the new program aligns with the university mission, strategic plan, and existing academic degree program array and a link to the university’s academic strategic plan.
  9. A rationale that clearly defines the need for the new program, including market and student demand in the context of local, regional, and systemwide programs. The rationale should include evidence that the program will not produce unnecessary program duplication. Unnecessary is defined as the addition of an academic degree program that is already offered by 50% or more of the UW universities when there is a lack of convincing evidence that student demand exists to financially support and sustain its addition.
2. Distribution of the Notice of Intent
  1. After completing preliminary university planning processes, the proposing university’s Provost sends the Notice of Intent to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) and to the Provosts at all University of Wisconsin System universities via pprnoticeofintent@uwsa.edu.
  2. Universities have 10 working days to review the Notice of Intent. For Notices of Intent submitted between December 15^th and the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the 10 working days will start the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
  3. Universities may respond to the proposing university’s Provost with the following:
    1. Opportunities for potential collaboration among universities.
    2. Concerns, including questions of duplication.
    3. General comments regarding other aspects, such as the compatibility of the proposed program with the university’s mission.
  4. Universities may request from the proposing university’s Provost additional time to respond, typically no longer than 10 working days. Concurrent with the university review, the Associate Vice President (AVP) of APFA conducts a review of the Notice of Intent, focusing on overall systemwide array and other matters in accordance with BOR and UW System policy.
3. Comments

1. 1. Within five working days of the end of the comment period, the proposing university’s Provost compiles all responses and forwards them to APFA and to the Provosts at all the UW universities via pprnoticeofintent@uwsa.edu. If a university has not responded with comments or concerns by the end of the comment period, this is interpreted to mean that it has no serious concerns or issues with the program being proposed.
  2. Within 20 working days after the end of the comment period, if there are concerns, issues, or opportunities for collaboration, the proposing university’s Provost must consult with those universities raising them. By the end of the 20 working day period, the Provost at the proposing university and the Provost(s) at the university(s) raising the concerns, issues, or opportunities for collaboration must submit separate statements to APFA and to the other Provosts via pprnoticeofintent@uwsa.edu that outline how the concerns, issues, or opportunities for collaboration will be addressed.
  3. If facilitated resolution is requested by one or more of the Provosts, the AVP of APFA will determine the appropriate manner in which to proceed with the request(s).
  4. As part of the decision-making process, APFA may request additional data from the UW universities regarding the proposed program and existing programs in similar areas.
II. Fast-Track Academic Degree Programs

1. Preliminary Eligibility Discussion
  1. The UW University Provost or Program Planning Liaison (Liaison) shall discuss the proposed program plans with the Associate Vice President of Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) to discuss eligibility and the submission process for a fast-track program proposal.
  2. Following the discussion, the university will then submit the Fast-Track Program Eligibility Proposal that includes information to demonstrate how the criteria in A.II.2 are met as well as the full Authorization documents.
2. To ensure adherence to maintaining the quality of all academic degree programs (program), fast-track program proposals must meet all the following criteria to be considered for a fast-track program. The responses to the following questions will serve as the Fast-Track Program Eligibility Proposal component of the submission.
  1. The demand for the proposed academic degree program is identified through clear and compelling evidence. Provide information about the demand for the proposed academic degree program related to national, regional, state, and local needs.
  2. The proposed academic degree program will be approved through the university’s review and approval process following shared governance policies.
  3. The suggested Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
  4. The suggested delivery (fact-to-face delivery; 50% or more distance delivery; or both face-to-face delivery and 50% or more distance delivery).
  5. The proposed academic degree program will be offered within the university’s existing resource base, or the university must demonstrate capacity to fund the program on a self-supported basis.
  6. The proposed academic degree program will be consistent with UW System, state, and federal guidelines and policies.
  7. The proposed academic degree program is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
  8. The proposed academic degree program will not require a major capital outlay project.
  9. The proposed academic degree program is not subject to specialized or additional regional accreditation approvals.

3. Submitting Fast-Track Proposals

The format for fast-track program authorization submission is the same as that for the traditional UW System academic degree program proposal. Templates for all academic degree program proposals are located on the APFA website at https://www.wisconsin.edu/program-planning/.

4. Timeline for submission of Fast-Track Proposals

Fast-track proposals must be submitted to APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu at least eight weeks prior to the Board of Regents (BOR) meeting where the academic degree program will be considered for approval. Proposals that are reviewed by UW System and do not raise major issues will be forwarded to the BOR.

B. Authorization

I. The required documents -the Request for Authorization to Implement a Degree, the Letter of Commitment, the Cost and Revenue Projections for Newly Proposed Program spreadsheet, and the Cost and Revenue Projections Narrative – are submitted to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) via apfa@uwsa.edu.

1. The Request for Authorization to Implement a Degree document
2. The intended audience for the Request for Authorization to Implement a Degree document includes the members of the Board of Regents (BOR), administrators, and other interested parties. The Request for Authorization to Implement a Degree is a public document. The Request for Authorization to Implement a Degree must follow the UW System BOR format.
3. The Request for Authorization to Implement document should be eight to 10 pages in length and must address foundational elements: who, what, where, when, and why. The use of technical jargon should be minimized and acronyms should be clearly defined. The document should be written to convey the purpose and need for the proposed academic degree program; the benefits of the program to the university; the ability of the university to carry out the program; and the likely value to, and impact on, students and the residents of Wisconsin. The BOR New Program Authorization Guide has information on format, requirements, and additional details.
2. The University Letter of Commitment.

The Letter of Commitment is submitted by the university’s Provost. The letter should be addressed to the President of the UW System (copied to the Associate Vice President of APFA) and include the following information:

1. 1. The program has been designed to meet the university’s definition and standards of quality and will make a meaningful contribution to the university’s select mission, overall academic plan, and academic degree program array.
  2. There is university-wide support for the program, including confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  3. The necessary financial, capital, and human resources are in place and/or have been committee to implement and sustain the program.
  4. Program review processes are scheduled.
  5. State how the proposed program will assist you to achieve your desired enrollment profile. What contributions do you anticipate that the proposed program will make toward advancing your projected enrollments?
  6. Planning assumptions foundational to this program.
  7. How the proposed program aligns with budgeting priorities set at the college/school and university levels.
  8. What facilities would be required to support this program?
  9. How the program be staffed in terms of current faculty, new faculty, and staff members.

3. The Cost and Revenue Projections for Newly Proposed Program spreadsheet.

The purpose of the Cost and Revenue Projections for Newly Proposed Program spreadsheet is to document the financial sustainability of the program. The spreadsheet shows projected revenues and indicates how new or existing resources will be (re)allocated to offset the program costs. The projection will cover a five-year period.

4. The Cost and Revenue Projections Narrative.

The Cost and Revenue Projections Narrative supports the completion and discussion of the Cost and Revenue Projections for Newly Proposed Program spreadsheet.

C. Implementation

The Provost provides the implementation notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) via apfa@uwsa.edu.
The Provost provides the following information:
1. The implementation year and term for the authorized program.
2. The suggested Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
3. If Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or other accrediting agency approval of the new program is required.
  1. If accreditation(s) and/or approval(s) are required, upon approval, a copy of the notification letter(s) is sent to APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu.

D. Associate Degrees

The Provost, Provost’s Assistant, or Liaison provides the associate degree information to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via apfa@uwsa.edu using the Associate Degree Guidelines.
For a new Associate of Arts, Associate of Science(s), or Associate of Arts and Sciences, the Provost, Provost’s Assistant, or Liaison provides the following information:
1. The name and email address of the person submitting the information.
2. The name of the university.
3. The proposed program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science(s), or Associate of Arts and Science(s).
  1. These are three separate degrees. Submit a separate submission for each degree.
4. The mode of delivery (face-to-face delivery, 50% or more distance delivery, or both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery).
5. A brief rational for adding the degree.
6. An outline of the curriculum. Include a list of courses and other requirements such as internships, practica.
7. The program assessment process.
8. Transfer possibilities to a bachelor’s degree. Identify the bachelors’ degree(s) for possible transfer.
9. Opportunities for collaboration with other UW universities.
10. Whether Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approval will be needed.
11. How the program aligns with your mission. Be specific.
12. How does the proposed program align with your current program array?
13. How will the proposed program assist you to achieve your desired enrollment profile? What contributions do you anticipate that the proposed program will make toward advancing your projected enrollments?
14. What planning assumptions are foundational to this program?
15. How does the proposed program align with budgeting priorities set at the college/school and university levels?
16. What student support services would be required to support students in this proposed program?
17. What facilities would be required to support this program?
18. How will the program be staffed in terms of current faculty, new faculty, and staff members?
To add a specific major to an existing Associate of Arts or Associate of Science(s), the Provost provides the following information:
1. The name and email address of the person submitting the information.
2. The name of the university.
3. The proposed program of Associate of Arts in NAME or Associate of Science(s) in NAME (provide specific major name).
  1. A specific major can only be added if the university has an approved and implemented A.A. or A.S. Majors for A.A.S. are not eligible.
  2. Submit a separate submission for each specific major.
4. The mode of delivery (face-to-face delivery, 50% or more distance delivery, or both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery).
5. The suggested Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code.
6. A brief rational for adding the degree, including the number of credits.
7. An outline of the curriculum. Include a list of courses and other requirements such as internships, practica.
8. The program assessment process.
9. Transfer possibilities to a bachelor’s degree. Identify the bachelors’ degree(s) for possible transfer.
10. Opportunities for collaboration with other UW universities.
11. Whether Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approval will be needed.
12. How the program aligns with your mission. Be specific.
13. How does the proposed program align with your current program array?
14. How will the proposed program assist you to achieve your desired enrollment profile? What contributions do you anticipate that the proposed program will make toward advancing your projected enrollments?
15. What planning assumptions are foundational to this program?
16. How does the proposed program align with budgeting priorities set at the college/school and university levels?
17. What student support services would be required to support students in this proposed program?
18. What facilities would be required to support this program?
19. How will the program be staffed in terms of current faculty, new faculty, and staff members?

E. Adding or Eliminating a Degree Type for an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
Adding a degree type.

1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) that will be added, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. A brief rationale for the action.
  4. The potential impact on students currently enrolled.
  5. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  6. The impact on finances and budgeting priorities.
  7. How the addition of the degree type(s) will assist the university to achieve enrollment projections.
  8. The facilities required to support the program.
  9. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  10. Confirmation that the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code will remain the same.
  11. Confirmation that curricular changes to the program will not exceed 50% of the requirements for the program.
  12. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  13. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

III. Eliminating a degree type.

1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. 1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    2. The degree type(s) that will be eliminated.
    3. A brief rationale for the action.
    4. The teach-out plan for students currently enrolled. See Higher Learning Commission (HLC) policy for specific criteria.
      1. A teach-out plan is required by HLC.
    5. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
    6. The impact on finances and budget.
    7. The impact on enrollment.
    8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
    9. Confirmation that the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code will remain the same.
    10. Confirmation that curricular changes to the program will not exceed 50% of the requirements for the program.
    11. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
    12. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

F. Renaming an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
The Liaison provides the following information:

1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
2. The new name of the program.
3. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
4. A brief rationale for the action.
5. Confirmation that the entire Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code will remain the same.
6. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
7. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
8. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

G. Redirecting an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
The Liaison provides the following information:

1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
3. If applicable, the new name of the program.
4. Whether Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code will remain the same.
  1. If there will be a change to the CIP code, provide the suggested new CIP code and a rationale for the change.
    1. Changing the first two numbers of the CIP code may require HLC and/or Board of Regents approval.
5. A description of the nature of the redirection (and rename, if applicable).
6. A brief rationale for the action.
7. The potential impact on students currently enrolled.
8. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
9. The impact on finances and budget priorities.
10. The impact on the enrollment profile.
11. Confirmation that curricular changes to the program will not exceed 50% of the requirements for the program.
12. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
13. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
14. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

H. Suspending Admissions to an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
The Liaison provides the following information:

1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
3. A brief rationale for the action.
4. An explanation of how students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program.
5. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
6. The impact on the enrollment profile.
7. The impact on finances and budget priorities.
8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
9. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
10. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

I. Reinstating Admissions to an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
The Liaison provides the following information:
1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
3. A brief rationale for the action with a focus on actions and decisions since the suspension started.
4. A description of the resources available to support the program (faculty, staff, labs, equip., etc.)
5. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
6. A description of the projected enrollments and student demand.
7. The impact on finances and budget priorities.
8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
9. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
10. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

J. Eliminating an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
The Liaison provides the following information:
1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
3. A brief rationale for the action.
4. A description of the financial impact on the university.
5. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
6. A description of the impact to current students.
7. The impact on the enrollment profile.
8. The teach-out plan for currently enrolled students to complete the program.
  1. A teach-out plan is required by HLC. See HLC policy for specific criteria.
9. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
10. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
11. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

K. Adding or Eliminating 50% or More Distance Delivery to an Existing Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
UW System Administration adopts the Higher Learning Commission’s current definition for distance delivery. Please consult that definition before providing the notification.
Adding 50% or more distance delivery for an existing academic degree program.
1. The Liaison provides the following information.
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. A brief rationale for the action.
  4. The financial impact on the program and university.
  5. The delivery method that will be applicable as a result of the action.
    1. 50% or more distance delivery (face-to-face delivery will be eliminated).
    2. Both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery.
  6. The potential impact on students.
  7. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  8. The impact on the enrollment profile.
  9. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  10. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  11. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action
Eliminating 50% or more of distance delivery for an existing academic degree program.
1. This action will result in the program being recorded as being offered via face-to-face delivery.
2. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. A brief rationale for the action.
  4. The financial impact on the program and university.
  5. The potential impact on students.
  6. An explanation of how students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program. Provide a description of the transition plan for students.
  7. The impact on the enrollment profile.
  8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  9. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  10. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

L. Adding or Eliminating Face-to-Face Delivery for an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
Adding face-to-face delivery for a distance delivery academic degree program.
1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. A brief rationale for the action.
  4. The financial impact of this decision.
  5. The delivery method that will be applicable as a result of the action.
    1. Face-to-face delivery (50% or more distance delivery will be eliminated).
    2. Both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery.
  6. The potential implications for students.
  7. The potential implications for faculty and academic staff.
  8. The implications for the enrollment profile.
  9. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  10. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  11. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.
2. Eliminating Face-to-Face Delivery for an Academic Degree Program
  1. This action will result in the program being recorded as being offered via 50% or more distance delivery.
  2. The Liaison provides the following information.
    1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
    3. A brief rationale for the action.
    4. The financial impact of this decision.
    5. The potential implications for students.
    6. The potential implications for faculty and academic staff.
    7. The implications for the enrollment profile.
    8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
    9. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
    10. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

M. Adding or Eliminating Direct Assessment Competency-Based Program Delivery

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
Adding direct assessment competency-based delivery.
1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. A brief rationale for the action.
  4. A brief description of the direct assessment competency-based program.
  5. A description of how the intended learning outcomes for the direct assessment competency-based program are equivalent to the existing program.
  6. If the program will continue to be offered by a delivery method (face-to-face delivery, 50% or more distance delivery, or both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery) in addition to direct assessment competency-based delivery, provide this information.
  7. The financial impact on the program and university.
  8. The potential impact on students.
  9. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  10. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  11. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  12. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.
Eliminating direct assessment competency-based delivery.

1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. A brief rationale for the action.
  4. The delivery method that will be applicable as a result of the action (face-to-face delivery, 50% or more distance delivery, or both 50% or more distance delivery and face-to-face delivery).
  5. The financial impact on the program and university.
  6. The potential impact on students.
  7. An explanation of how students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program. Provide a description of the teach-out plan.
    1. A teach-out plan is required by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
  8. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  9. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  10. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  11. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

N. Adding or Removing a Concentration for an A.A. or A.S. Degree

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
Adding a concentration for an A.A. or A.S. degree.
1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The degree (A.A. or A.S.).
  2. The concentration name.
  3. A brief rationale for the concentration, including the number of credits following UW System Administrative Policy 115: Associate Degree Standards.
  4. The curriculum that will be specific to this concentration, including a list of courses and credits.
  5. The financial impact of this change.
  6. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  7. When the program will be reviewed.
  8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  9. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  10. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.
Removing a concentration for an A.A. or A.S. degree.

1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The degree (A.A. or A.S.).
  2. The concentration name.
  3. A brief rationale for removing the concentration.
  4. The financial impact of the change.
  5. The potential impact on students.
  6. The teach-out plan for students currently enrolled in the program.
    1. A teach-out plan is required by the Higher Learning Commission.
  7. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  8. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future.
  9. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  10. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

O. Unpublishing or Republishing an Academic Degree Program

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
Unpublishing an academic degree program.
1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. Where the program should be unpublished.
  4. A brief rationale for the action.
  5. Implications for enrollment.
  6. Implications for and finances.
  7. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future. This action will be effective within 15 working days of the notification memo being issued.
  8. If applicable, confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  9. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.
Republishing an academic degree program.

1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. The name of the academic degree program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  2. The degree type(s) for the program, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  3. Where you would like the program republished.
  4. A brief rationale for the action, including actions taken since unpublishing.
  5. The desired year and term. These must be four weeks in the future. This action will be effective within 15 working days of the notification memo being issued.
  6. If applicable, confirmation that the appropriate university governance institution’s body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  7. Confirmation that the Provost has approved this action.

P. Publishing or Unpublishing an Undeclared Major

The Liaison provides the notification to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement via the Online Program Planning Form.
Publishing an Undeclared Major.
1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. Confirmation that the Provost has previously approved of this program.
  2. Confirmation that the program currently exists and was approved via faculty governance.
  3. The name of the undeclared major in the format “Undeclared Major-NAME”.
  4. The degree type(s) for the undeclared major.
  5. The CIP code for the undeclared major. This must be a CIP code that is not associated with another academic degree program offered by the university.
  6. The name(s) of the academic degree program(s) that will be associated with the undeclared major, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  7. The degree type(s) for the academic degree program(s) that will be associated with the undeclared major, as listed in the UW System Academic Majors dashboard.
  8. Where the undeclared major should be published.
  9. A brief rationale for the action.
2. This action will be effective within 15 working days of the notification memo being issued unless a later date is requested.
Unpublishing an Undeclared Major
1. The Liaison provides the following information:
  1. Confirmation that the Provost has previously approved of this program.
  2. Confirmation that the program currently exists and was approved via faculty governance.
  3. The name of the undeclared major in the format “Undeclared Major-NAME”.
  4. The degree type(s) for the undeclared major.
  5. Where the undeclared major should be unpublished.
  6. A brief rationale for the action.
2. The action will be effective within 15 working days of the notification memo being issued unless a later date is requested.

P. Establishing a Professional Doctorate

The Request for Authorization to Implement a Degree document must also address how the proposal meets the following criteria:
1. Professional doctorates should be offered at UW universities that have pre-existing infrastructure, and faculty capacity and expertise to support the doctoral level program.
2. The proposed professional doctorate is high-quality in terms of the rigor of its curriculum, program objectives, and its available resources, including faculty and facilities.
3. Delivery of programs ensure that the state’s workforce needs are addressed and that students have reasonable access to the education necessary to meet those needs.
4. The program prepares students for professional practice in a specific field. The program is necessary based on new practice requirements, accreditation requirements, or for licensure in the professional field of study.
5. The program does not reduce the integrity of the UW university’s undergraduate mission, does not take away resources devoted to undergraduate education, and does not undermine the strength of undergraduate academic degree program array offerings.
6. Assure that offering a professional doctorate will not result in the significant shifting of undergraduate teaching load from faculty to adjuncts and/or instructional academic staff.
7. The program is carefully targeted to align with the goals, select mission, and strategic plan or direction of the specific UW university. The program should also align with the UW System’s mission and strategic plan.
8. Demonstrate national, regional, and local market needs in specific professional fields.
9. Program pricing for a professional doctorate should be competitive with peer universities and aligned with market demand.

Q. Dissolving or Withdrawing from, a UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) Program

Dissolving a collaborative program and the simultaneous re-authorization of one or more of the degrees as independent programs.
1. The Provosts at the UW universities involved in the collaboration provide the dissolution information to all UW universities and Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) via pprnoticeofintent@uwsa.edu.
2. The Provosts provide the following information:
  1. A brief rationale for the change.
  2. The potential impact on currently enrolled students, including a teach-out plan for students currently enrolled in the collaborative or a transition to another member of the collaborative.
  3. The financial impact of this decision.
  4. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  5. The impact on the enrollment profile.
  6. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  7. The desired effective year and term.
3. Provosts have 10 working days to review the information and respond via pprnoticeofintent@uwsa.edu if there are concerns.
4. If approved to move forward, the Provosts submit the following to apfa@uwsa.edu:
  1. A request for dissolution and authorization of independent programs.
    1. The request must be a single document that is co-written and jointly submitted by the Provosts of all universities involved in the collaborative program. The request must clearly outline:
      1. The background information regarding the current partnership, including enrollment, and graduation data over the past 10 years, or life of the program if the program has been active for fewer than 10 years.
      2. The justification for the dissolution.
      3. Confirmation that the dissolution of the collaborative program and the establishment of an independent program have been approved by the appropriate university governance body or bodies at all universities involved in the collaborative program.
      4. Verification from the appropriate professional accrediting bodies (if applicable) of the process to re-accredit independent programs.
      5. A detailed plan as to how students currently enrolled in the program would be transitioned to independent accredited programs, without loss of credit or time to degree.
      6. Convincing evidence of:
        
        Sufficient student and market demand to support one or more independent programs.
        
        The capacity of each university to sustain an independent program, in terms of faculty and staff, facilities, technology, etc.
        
        Sufficient existing resources at each university in the collaborative program requesting authorization to offer the program independently.
        
        How the program change aligns with budgeting priorities set at the college/school and university levels.
        
        The student support services that would be required to support students in the program.
        
        The facilities that would be required to support the program.
        
        How the program will be staffed in terms of current faculty, new faculty, and staff members.
  2. A letter from the Provost at each university involved in the collaborative program affirming support for the dissolution and the authorization of independent programs.
  3. A Cost and Revenue Projections for Newly Proposed Program spreadsheet for the independent programs.
Withdrawal of one or more, but not all, of the partners in a collaborative program.

1. The Provost(s) provide the withdrawal information to all of the UW universities in the collaboration and to APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu.
2. The Provost(s) provide the following information:
  1. A brief rationale for the change.
  2. A detailed plan as to how students currently enrolled in the program would be transitioned into another university within the collaborative without loss of credit or time to degree.
  3. The financial impact of this change.
  4. The potential impact on faculty and academic staff.
  5. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  6. The desired effective year and term.
  7. Evidence of communication with the Higher Learning Commission.

R. Monitoring Academic Degree Programs

UW System Administration Monitoring Role and Responsibility

1. Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) and the Office of Policy Analysis and Research (OPAR) will create reports annually in the fall to assist UW universities to monitor all academic degree programs in the UW System as part of its responsibility for systemwide academic degree program array management (RPD 4-12).
2. For purposes of this policy, the review period for new programs begins six years after the program’s implementation. UW System Collaborative (HLC Consortial) programs, which involve two or more UW universities who share curriculum to offer a degree, will be counted as one degree program.
3. UW System Administration will receive information about each university’s program monitoring result as a part of the existing Annual Program Planning, Review, and Array Management Reports from each UW university submitted in July.
4. UW System Administration will report the results of universities’ program monitoring results to the Board of Regents (BOR), the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, and the UW System President on an annual basis.

II. University Monitoring Role and Responsibility

1. UW universities will create and conduct a process to plan for academic degree programs and to align resources, based on university mission and resources through their university’s governance processes. The university will monitor programs annually based on data provided by APFA and OPAR. Universities may establish and follow more stringent policies or guidelines than those outlined in this section.
2. UW universities will develop an academic degree program monitoring process based on this policy. The university-level process may include monitoring criteria, reasons to justify continuance of a program, roles for faculty and shared governance, a university-level appeal process, possible action steps, timelines, and a university reporting process.
3. Each UW university will submit its academic degree program monitoring process to UW System Administration via apfa@uwsa.edu to demonstrate fulfillment of its policy and university responsibilities.
4. Each UW university will report its annual academic degree program monitoring results in the existing Annual Program Planning, Review, and Array Management Reports at the end of the academic year. This information will be reported annually to the BOR.
5. The Provost will report on the program monitoring decisions for any program that does not meet established criteria in the UW System Annual Program Planning, Review, and Array Management Reports. The university’s justification to continue the academic degree program should include importance to mission, relationship to other academic degree programs, plans to increase enrollment, as well as identify what action steps will be taken.
6. After monitoring an academic degree program and/or conducting further review of the program, if the university’s decision is to suspend or eliminate an academic degree program, then no further justification is necessary. The university will then follow SYS 102 Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 for suspension and elimination.

S. Establishing, Renaming, or Eliminating a School or College

Establishing a School or College.
1. The Provost provides the establishment information to Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) via apfa@uwsa.edu.
2. The Provost provides the following information:
  1. The rationale for establishing the college or school, including a definition of the school or college.
  2. The administrative structure of the college or school, including an organization chart.
  3. The redirection of university resources to establish the college or school.
  4. The financial implications of establishing the college or school.
  5. The definitions of the leadership structure of the new college or school and an organization chart.
  6. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  7. The desired effective date.
Eliminating a School or College.
1. The Provost provides the elimination information to APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu.
2. The Provost provides the following information:
  1. The rationale for eliminating the college or school.
  2. The administrative structure change that will result from the elimination, including an organization chart.
  3. The redirection of university resources as a result of eliminating the college or school.
  4. The financial implications of eliminating the college or school.
  5. The definitions of the leadership structure that will result from the elimination of the college or school.
  6. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  7. The desired effective date.
Renaming a School or College.
1. The Provost provides the rename information to APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu.
2. The Provost provides the following information:
  1. The rationale for renaming the college or school.
  2. The administrative structure that will result from the renaming, including an organization chart.
  3. The redirection of university resources as a result of renaming the college or school.
  4. The financial implications of renaming the college or school.
  5. The definitions of the leadership structure that will result from renaming of the college or school.
  6. Confirmation that the appropriate university governance body(ies) have completed their review process(es).
  7. The desired effective date.

T. Establishing or Altering University Missions

The Provost informs Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) of its intent to establish or alter its university mission via apfa@uwsa.edu.
The university develops the mission statement with wide university input and appropriate university governance approvals. The university’s Provost regularly updates APFA during this process with a detailed outline including timelines.
The university notifies the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of its intent to alter its mission statement and undergoes preliminary HLC review.
Prior to formal submission, it is recommended that the Chancellor or Provost forward a copy of the draft select mission statement to APFA at apfa@uwsa.edu for consultation and an initial review of requirements. The Associate Vice President (AVP) of APFA examines whether the language and format of the revised mission meet the statutory requirements. The AVP provides feedback and works with the university to prepare the materials needed for formal submission to the UW System President (President) and the Board of Regents (BOR).
The Chancellor sends the mission statement, including a letter with the date at which it was approved by university governance, to APFA at apfa@uwsa.edu at least 12 weeks in advance of the desired BOR meeting for the first reading. The AVP of APFA will conduct a second review to assess the functionality of the mission and whether the statement contains the statutorily required components, including a listing of the general degrees offered by the university and a general description of academic degree programs or areas of focus of the university. The AVP will inform the university about the assessment and any required changes.
After the review, and any university updates, of the mission, the AVP of APFA works with the university to prepare the materials needed for submission to the President. The materials include:
1. A Microsoft Word (not PDF) copy of the current or original mission statement.
2. The revisions to the current mission as a document with tracked changes or strikeouts.
3. A clean copy of the revised mission statement with the date at which it was approved by university governance.
4. Information or a list of academic degree programs and degree types.
5. A cover letter from the Chancellor addressed to the President, explaining the rationale for the changes, the scope and the impact of the changes, and a request to place the mission revision on the BOR’s agenda.
Upon formal submission of the required materials in VI above, the AVP of APFA, the Office of General Counsel, and the Vice President (VP) of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) review the request. The AVP reports summative findings and recommendations to the President. If approved by the President, the AVP works with the university to finalize the materials for submission for the BOR for the first reading.
The Chancellor or the Provost presents the mission statement at a meeting of the BOR for initial review (first reading). No action is taken at this time.
The university conducts public hearing on campus with a member of the BOR presiding. The Executive Director of the BOR should be contacted about organizational details and Regent selection for this task. This meeting should be widely publicized, including publication in the Wisconsin State Journal, and allow input from any individual who requests to be heard, including members of the university administration, faculty, staff, students, and the general public. The Chancellor submits a memo to the Office of the President via apfa@uwsa.edu (copied to the AVP of APFA and the VP of OASA) summarizing the outcomes of the public hearing.
Final materials must be submitted to APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu at least eight weeks in advance of the desired BOR meeting for approval. The materials include:
1. A cover letter from the Chancellor.
2. A Microsoft Word (not PDF) copy of the current or existing mission.
3. A copy with tracked changes.
4. A clean copy of the proposed new mission.
Upon approval of the President, the university presents the final mission statement to the BOR for a second reading and final approval.
Upon approval by the BOR, the university secures approval from HLC to alter its mission statement, and notifies APFA via apfa@uwsa.edu of the effective date.
The Office of the Board of Regents maintains the official record of all UW System mission statements.